Student and Parent Handbook 2015-2016 Bluford Unit School District 318 Home of the Trojans

CLOSED CAMPUS

Bluford Unit School District 318 is a closed campus. Students are to stay on campus for the duration of the school day, including lunchtime. The only time a student may leave campus is with parent permission (by phone call or written permission for that day), with a pass from the office, or for medical/illness reasons. Students must sign out in the office prior to leaving. Students failing to follow these procedures shall be considered truant and face consequences listed in the discipline plan.

1. Personal illness – after THREE (3) absences a doctor’s note WILL BE required, per semester or two quarters

hours
3. Serious illness of a family member which requires the presence of the student

caused by the student or required to appear in court because of family problems. Principal will

make decision on questionable cases.
8. Other absences will be reviewed by the Principal and approved or disapproved


LUNCH PROVISIONS
Bluford Unit School District 318 will offer various options in an effort to assure students have an adequate lunch.
1. All students may go to Bluford Grade School and eat lunch in the cafeteria. (High school students must purchase a ticket before 9:30 am)

2. High school students may purchase food items offered by various groups of BUSD.

3. All students may also bring a lunch from home to be eaten at school.
MAKE-UP PRIVILEGES
When a student is absent from class . . .
A. For other than a field trip, the teacher will take the following steps:
1. Students absent from school without an approved excuse will receive a zero “0” for that day to be figured in on their final grade.
2. Provide the student with an ALTERNATIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE or the assignment or quiz or evaluation, given all students present the day of the absence. As a general rule, the alternative learning experiences should equal approximately one-half (1/2) hour of study.
3. New assignments or alternative learning experiences must be made up within two days after the student returns to school. Previous assignments are due upon return to school. Any exceptions will be at the discretion of the Superintendent and/or Principal. Tests are to be made up on the day the student returns to school from an absence or upon an alternative date to be determined by the instructor. When the alternative learning experience is returned within the due date, the teacher will evaluate it as satisfactory or unsatisfactory. If satisfactorily completed, the teacher will record the alternative learning experience as complete. If the work is not returned within two days, the student will receive a zero “0”. After two days, the student will not be offered the opportunity make up or redo the work.

B. For any extracurricular activity, the student and teacher will take the following steps:

the assignment, quiz or test.

2. Missing the bus

3. Oversleeping /alarm problems

4. Lack of clean or appropriate clothing

5. Car trouble/transportation issues
6. Unapproved planned vacations

7. Other absences classified as unexcused by principal or designee

Absence for fifth through twelfth grades and an In-School Suspension for students in Kindergarten through fourth grades.

School bus riders, while in transit, are under the jurisdiction of the SCHOOL BUS DRIVER unless the local Board of Education designates an adult to supervise the riders. It is recommended that all riders, parents of riders, and teachers become familiar with the following regulations governing school bus riders.

4. Remain in the bus in the event of road emergency until instructions are given by the driver.

5. Do not leave your seat, stand up, or kneel in your seat while the bus is in motion.

6. Be alert to a danger signal from the driver. He/she is in complete command of the bus.

7. Keep your hands and arms inside the bus at all times after entering and until leaving the bus. Never throw things out the windows of the bus. Students should not lower or raise the windows.

8. Remember that loud talking, laughing, or unnecessary confusion diverts the driver’s attention and could result in a serious accident. No profanity should be used by student or driver.

9. No smoking is allowed on the bus by any rider; including the driver or student-rider.

10. Be absolutely QUIET when approaching and crossing a railroad crossing stop.

11. Assist in keeping the bus safe and sanitary at all times. No eating or drinking is allowed on the bus.

12. Carry no animals or pets on the bus.

13. Keep books, packages, band instruments, athletic equipment, project materials and all other objects out of the aisles.

14. Be courteous to fellow students and especially to the bus driver.

15. Help look after the safety and comfort of smaller children.

16. Do not ask the driver to stop at places other than the regular bus stop. The driver is not permitted to do this except by proper authorization from a school official.

17. Observe safety precautions at all discharge points. When it is necessary to cross a two-lane highway, proceed to a point at least 10 feet in front of the bus on the right shoulder of the highway where traffic may be observed in both directions. Then wait for a signal from the bus driver permitting you to cross safely.

18. The same rules and regulations for safe riding practices should be observed on curricular or extracurricular activities under school sponsorship and practiced daily. Be respectful of all chaperones appointed by the school.

19. Bus misconduct could result in assigned detention, demerits, and/or suspension from the bus.

BULLYING, INTIMIDATION, AND HARASSMENT
Bullying, intimidation, and harassment diminish a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to educate. Preventing students from engaging in these disruptive behaviors and providing all students equal access to a safe, non-hostile learning environment are important school goals.

Bullying on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, military status, unfavorable discharge status from the military service, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender-related identity or expression, ancestry, age, religion, physical or mental disability, order of protection status, status of being homeless, or actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy, association with a person or group with one or more of the aforementioned actual or perceived characteristics, or any other distinguishing characteristic is prohibited in each of the following situations:

1. 
   During any school-sponsored education program or activity.
   

2. 
   While in school, on school property, on school buses or other school vehicles, at designated school bus stops waiting for the school bus, or at school-sponsored or school-sanctioned events or activities.
   

3. 
   Through the transmission of information from a school computer, a school computer network, or other similar electronic school equipment.
   

4. 
   Through the transmission of information from a computer that is accessed at a nonschool-related location, activity, function, or program or from the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by the school district or school if the bullying causes a substantial disruption to the educational process or orderly operation of a school.
   

1. 
   Placing the student or students in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s or students’ person or property;
   

2. 
   Causing a substantially detrimental effect on the student’s or students’ physical or mental health;
   

3. 
   Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ academic performance; or
   

4. 
   Substantially interfering with the student’s or students’ ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.
   

Name Name

Address Address

Phone Number Phone Number

Email Address Email Address

A student will not be punished for reporting bullying or supplying information, even if the school’s

investigation concludes that no bullying occurred. However, knowingly making a false accusation or providing knowingly false information will be treated as bullying for purposes of determining any consequences or other appropriate remedial actions.
Students and parents/guardians are also encouraged to read the following school district policies: 7:20, Harassment of Students Prohibited and 7:180, Prevention of and Response to Bullying, Intimidation and Harassment.
CARE OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS
It is the desire of the Board of Education to give students and teachers the best possible equipment and facilities so that a good school program may be conducted.

Because the school building and grounds are the pride of the community, the cooperation of all who are a part of the school is needed. It is the mark of a good school citizen to do just a little more than his or her share in helping to care for school property.

For example, in order to protect our floors from unnecessary scratching, students are asked not to wear heel or toe plates on their shoes. Street shoes should not be worn on the gym floor. Another example is keeping the classroom floors clean by picking up trash, books, pencils, etc.
CODE OF CONDUCT

1. 
   Any high school student who walks out of class without permission could be dropped or
   

2. 
   Student refusing to do class work and/or those in danger of failing will be reported to the
   

3. 
   Any student who directs obscenities and/or profanities or displays flagrant disrespect or
   

4. 
   All teachers are requested to be on the alert for any student behavior which is a violation of
   

5. 
   Students will only be allowed to leave an individual classroom for personal reasons (ex.
   

6. 
   GRADUATION: During the last few weeks of school, any student doing inappropriate
   

refrain from the following:

• 
  fighting on school property.
  
• 
  playing cards with intent to gamble.
  
• 
  possession of tobacco on school grounds, use of drugs, drinking alcoholic beverages, or being under the influence.
  
• 
  eating or drinking outside approved areas.
  
• 
  loitering in the parking lot and areas of heavy hall traffic.
  
• 
  rowdy behavior or running in the building or yelling in the building.
  
• 
  littering in or around the school building.
  
• 
  locker abuse.
  
• 
  having radios, headsets, walkmans, etc.
  
• 
  using cell phones during school hours
  
• 
  personal use of e-mail.
  

1. 
   Each student is expected to be in his/her assigned classroom by the time the last bell rings
   

2. 
   Any student in the corridors during class hours must carry a pass signed by a faculty
   

3. 
   No running, throwing or dropping paper, loitering or blocking of traffic, or yelling in
   

4. 
   Public display of affection is prohibited. This applies to all areas of the school.
   

5. 
   Students and teachers must understand that any teacher has authority and responsibility to
   

the teacher’s class.

6. 
   Teachers may assign detentions to students for corridor misconduct.
   

7. 
   Serious incidents will result in a disciplinary referral and possible demerit assignments.
   

8. 
   Students caught not picking up after themselves will be disciplined.
   

9. 
   You may not congregate in the hallways.
   

RULES FOR AFTER SCHOOL DETENTIONS:

school student will immediately begin his/her detention after dismissal in the assigned

location.
2. All students will receive a 24 hour school day notice in order to arrange transportation and/or work schedules. Practices, busing, and/or work does not excuse a student from detention.
3. Student should complete any detention assignments or have enough school related work to occupy them for the entire detention session.
4. Talking or communicating in any manner will not be permitted. Cell phones are to be turned off until the completion of the detention..
5. Sleeping, putting feet on chairs or desks, or laying one's head on the desk is not permitted.
6. No food or drink will be allowed in detention.

7. Students who ride buses or participate in sports after school can avoid detention by simply obeying the rules.

The presence of a relatively large number of participants in a school environment makes necessary a code of conduct which enables everyone to realize the full benefits of school. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner which reflects respect for each other, their teachers, other staff members, and the school facilities. With an understanding of the purposes of discipline in a school, you may form a correct attitude toward it, and not only do your part in making your school an effective place of learning, but develop the habit of self-restraint which will make you a better person.

1. 
   Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling tobacco materials, including electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes.
   
2. 
   Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling alcoholic beverages.
   
3. 
   Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing, or selling:
   

1. 
   Any illegal drug, controlled substance, or cannabis (including marijuana, medical marijuana and hashish).
   
2. 
   Any anabolic steroid or performance-enhancing substance not administered under a physician’s care and supervision.
   
3. 
   Any prescription drug when not prescribed for the student by a licensed health care provider or when not used in the manner prescribed.
   
4. 
   Any inhalant, regardless of whether it contains an illegal drug or controlled substance: (a) that a student believes is, or represents to be capable of, causing intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system; or (b) about which the student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student intended the inhalant to cause intoxication, hallucination, excitement, or dulling of the brain or nervous system.
   
5. 
   “Look-alike” or counterfeit drugs, including a substance not containing an illegal drug or controlled substance, but one: (a) that a student believes to be, or represents to be, an illegal drug or controlled substance; or (b) about which a student engaged in behavior that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student expressly or impliedly represented to be an illegal drug or controlled substance.
   
6. 
   Drug paraphernalia, including devices that are or can be used to: (a) ingest, inhale, or inject cannabis or controlled substances into the body; and (b) grow, process, store, or conceal cannabis or controlled substances.
   

Students who are under the influence of any prohibited substance are not permitted to attend school or school functions and are treated as though they have the prohibited substance, as applicable, in their possession.

4. 
   Using, possessing, controlling or transferring a firearm or “look alike,” knife, brass knuckles or other knuckle weapon regardless of its composition, a billy club, or any other object if used or attempted to be used to cause bodily harm.
   
5. 
   Using or possessing an electronic paging device.
   
6. 
   Using a cellular telephone, smartphone, video recording device, personal digital assistant (PDA), or similar electronic device in any manner that disrupts the educational environment or violates the rights of others.
   
7. 
   Using or possessing a laser pointer unless under a staff member’s direct supervision and in the context of instruction.
   
8. 
   Disobeying rules of student conduct or directives from staff members or school officials.
   
9. 
   Engaging in academic dishonesty, including cheating, intentionally plagiarizing, wrongfully giving or receiving help during an academic examination, and wrongfully obtaining test copies or scores.
   
10. 
    Bullying, hazing or any kind of aggressive behavior that does physical or psychological harm to a staff person or another student or encouraging other students to engage in such behavior. Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, any use of violence, intimidation, force, noise, coercion, threats, stalking, harassment, sexual harassment, public humiliation, theft or destruction of property, retaliation, hazing, bullying, bullying through the transmission of information from a school computer, a school computer network, or other similar electronic school equipment, or other comparable conduct.
    
11. 
    Causing or attempting to cause damage to, stealing, or attempting to steal, school property or another person’s personal property.
    
12. 
    Being absent without a recognized excuse.
    
13. 
    Being involved with any public school fraternity, sorority, or secret society.
    
14. 
    Being involved in a gang or engaging in gang-like activities, including displaying gang symbols or paraphernalia.
    
15. 
    Violating any criminal law, including but not limited to, assault, battery, arson, theft, gambling, eavesdropping, and hazing.
    
16. 
    Engaging in any activity, on or off campus, that interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to: (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property.
    
17. 
    Sending, receiving or possessing sexually explicit or otherwise inappropriate pictures or images, commonly knowing as “sexting.” Prohibited conduct specifically includes, without limitation, creating, sending, sharing, viewing, receiving or possessing an indecent visual depiction of oneself or another person through the use of a computer, electronic communication device, smartphone or cellular phone.
    
18. 
    Using, purchasing, selling or possessing any performance-enhancing substance on the Illinois Association of High School Association’s most current banned substance list, unless administered in accordance with a prescription.
    
19. 
    Making an explicit threat on an Internet website against a school employee, a student, or any school-related personnel if the Internet website through which the threat was made is a site that was accessible within the school at the time the threat was made or was available to third parties who worked or studied within the school grounds at the time the threat was made, and the threat could be reasonably interpreted as threatening to the safety and security of the threatened individual because of his or her duties or employment status or status as a student inside the school.
    

For purposes of these rules, the term “possession” includes having control, custody, or care, currently or in the past, of an object or substance, including situations in which the item is: (a) on the student’s person; (b) contained in another item belonging to, or under the control of, the student, such as in the student’s clothing, backpack, or automobile; (c) in a school’s student locker, desk, or other school property; (d) at any location on school property or at a school-sponsored event; or (e) in the case of drugs and alcohol, substances ingested by the person.

1. 
   On, or within sight of, school grounds before, during, or after school hours or at any time;
   
2. 
   Off school grounds at a school-sponsored activity or event, or any activity or event that bears a reasonable relationship to school;
   
3. 
   Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event; or
   
4. 
   Anywhere, if the conduct interferes with, disrupts, or adversely affects the school environment, school operations, or an educational function, including but not limited to, conduct that may reasonably be considered to: (a) be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member; or (b) endanger the health or safety of students, staff, or school property.
   

1. 
   Disciplinary conference.
   
2. 
   Withholding of privileges.
   
3. 
   Seizure of contraband.
   
4. 
   Suspension from school and all school activities for up to 10 days. A suspended student is prohibited from being on school grounds.
   
5. 
   Suspension of bus riding privileges.
   
6. 
   Expulsion from school and all school-sponsored activities and events for a definite time period not to exceed 2 calendar years.  An expelled student is prohibited from being on school grounds.
   
7. 
   Notifying juvenile authorities or other law enforcement whenever the conduct involves illegal drugs (controlled substances), “look-alikes,” alcohol, weapons, and/or physical harm to others.
   
8. 
   Notifying parents/guardians.
   
9. 
   Temporary removal from the classroom.
   

10. After School Detention, which is served on Tuesday or Thursday

Section 10-20.14 of the School Code of Illinois maintains that teachers may remove students from classrooms for disruptive behavior. Procedures for teacher’s removal of disruptive students are as follows:

3. Prior to the expulsion of a special education student the local school district shall determine if the misconduct is the result of the student’s handicapping condition as defined by the Rules and Regulations to govern the administration and operation of special education (hereinafter referred to as the Rules and Regulations). Such determination shall be made by the local district staff and with Franklin-Jefferson Special Education CoOp staff familiar with the student’s handicapping condition and educational program in a conference with the student’s parents. If the misconduct is not determined to be the result of the student’s handicapping condition, the local school district staff shall, during the conference, propose alternative service to be provided if the student is subsequently expelled by the Board of Education. Any subsequent expulsion shall include the proposed alternative services. The student and the parents shall be advised of their rights to a due process hearing under the Rules and Regulations.

4. If the misconduct is the result of the student’s handicap, he/she shall not be expelled. In such cases, the student’s program shall be reviewed in a multi-disciplinary staff conference and if necessary, altered to reduce or eliminate the misconduct. Parental participation in this process shall be encouraged.